Category Archives: Short Chapter books

This past week (or 2) I read:

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is an absolutely stunning book. I read this via NetGalley and was absolutely blown away by the writing – the characters are rich and multi-dimension and the story drew me in. There were a few twists that I didn’t anticipate that made me love it even more. Wein clearly did her research before writing this amazing work of historical fiction. I’m sure we’ll be seeing some medals on the cover come next year!

Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Hartnett is a lovely and honest story about siblings. I picked up an ARC of this at ALA Midwinter and had forgotten it was sitting on my daughter’s shelf. This past week while researching Australian children’s authors and illustrators, I remembered that this was by Aussie Sonya Hartnett and was able to locate it after a bit of searching. I myself am and older sibling, and parent to two daughters so this book rang true from multiple perspectives. I love how Hannah names her hands and uses them to help her work through needing to grow-up just a big. The charcoal illustrations add to the story, particularly the personalities of Sadie & Ratz.

The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker. I’m not sure how I haven’t read this Clementine story before this, my 2nd grader’s teacher recommended it to me and as with Clementine’s other stories, I wasn’t disappointed. I love the voice of this character, it feels authentic without going over the top – particularly the way that she thinks through things. I also love that the adults in Clementine’s life seem to “get” her and go with her free-spirited, unusual way of thinking.

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner is an adventure mystery that has a number of twists and turns (both literal and figurative) that will keep you guessing about the outcome.

Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow? by Susan A. Shea asks readers to think about things that do and don’t grow as well as what they will become. The rhyming, illustrations and interactive fold-out pages make this a picture book that will be popular with a variety of young readers.

Look! Look! Look! At Sculpture by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace is a picture book that invites readers to consider the different ways to look at sculpture along with some friendly mice. Not only does this book encourage us to rethink how to enjoy sculpture, but is also shows readers how to create some of their own.

Next week I’ll be Reading…

I’m still working on Graceling – I want to read it when I have time to just sit and devour it. I also broke down and bought Insurgent – am looking forward to talking with my oldest daughter who as already read it. Lastly, I’m preparing for my upcoming visit to Australia by researching and reading books by Australian Authors and Illustrators (picture books through YA). If you have any favorites or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you!

This past week I read:

Drama by Raina Telgemeier – I read this on NetGalley, it’s amazing. I’m going to write another blog post about it this week so I can go into depth. For now, mark your calendar for September 1, 2012 so you can run to your local independent bookstore to pick it up!

Wideness & Wonder: The Life and Art of Georgia O’Keefe by Susan Goldman Rubin – Georgia O’Keefe has been a favorite artist ever since I saw and exhibit of her work in London 20 years ago. This biography spans her entire life and includes photographs, O’Keefe’s own artwork, and artwork of others. A very readable and thorough example of the biography genre.

Hugs From Pearl by Paul Schmid – I read this at my local library when I took my girls this weekend. It is a lovely story with illustrations that made me want to hug Pearl, even though she is a porcupine.

Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat by Philip C. Stead – Another book I read at the library. The illustrations for this cumulative story really made me love it and want to reread it. I’ll be adding this one to my own library soon!

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald – I spent some time in my daughter’s 2nd grade classroom this week, her (amazing) teacher recommended this to me. I’d heard of Stink and new of the books (I live with 2 Judy Moody fans) but had never read them. Great story, am planning on reading the one about the stinky shoes soon.

Marty McGuire Digs Worms by Kate Messner – I love Marty! She is a fabulous character with a voice all her own. I wanted to read this before the #martymcguire twitter book club this week with @MrSchuReads & @Colby Sharp on Wednesday, May 23 at 8pm EST. Author Kate Messner (@katemessner) will also be there for the fun! (Full disclosure: Marty reminds me very much of my youngest daughter who loves to dig for worms and is going into the third grade.)

Up Next:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore – I’m 10 pages in and don’t want to stop reading. Can’t believe I haven’t discovered this one sooner!

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner – For the first time, I recieved an envelope in the mail addressed me & my blog. I was doubly thrilled to find this book inside because I love Kate’s writing!